PSG Smashes Inter Milan 5-0 in 2025 Champions League Final

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final on May 31 at Allianz Arena, Munich.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi celebrates with the trophy after winning the Champions League [Angelika Warmuth/Reuters]

This historic victory marked PSG’s first-ever Champions League title. The match showcased PSG’s dominance, setting a record for the largest margin of victory in a European Cup final. Fans celebrated wildly, while Inter faced scrutiny after a lackluster performance.

Background of the Match

PSG, led by coach Luis Enrique, reached their second Champions League final, having lost to Bayern Munich in 2020. Inter Milan, under Simone Inzaghi, aimed for their fourth title, their last win coming in 2010.

The final, held at Munich’s Allianz Arena, was the first since 2004 without an English, Spanish, or German team. PSG’s journey included victories over Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, while Inter defeated Barcelona in the semifinals.

Both teams showcased contrasting styles: PSG’s youthful, attacking flair against Inter’s disciplined 3-5-2 system.

What Happened in the Match

PSG delivered a masterclass, dominating from the opening whistle. They controlled 58.7% of possession and fired 21 shots, seven on target. Inter struggled to respond, managing only a few chances. The match ended 5-0, with PSG’s goals coming from Achraf Hakimi, Désiré Doué (two), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu. The result humiliated Inter, marking their second final loss in three years.

First Half PSG’s Early Dominance

PSG struck early, with Achraf Hakimi scoring in the 12th minute after a swift team move. Eight minutes later, 19-year-old Désiré Doué doubled the lead with a clinical finish. PSG’s high pressing and fluid passing overwhelmed Inter’s defense. Vitinha controlled the midfield, while Inter’s backline, led by Francesco Acerbi, looked disorganized. Inter failed to register a shot on target, trailing 2-0 at halftime. Commentators noted PSG’s relentless pace left Inter shell-shocked.

Second Half Inter’s Collapse

Inter’s hopes faded early in the second half. Doué scored his second goal in the 64th minute, finishing a devastating counter-attack.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added a fourth in the 73rd minute, exploiting Inter’s exposed defense. Substitute Senny Mayulu sealed the historic 5-0 scoreline in the 86th minute with a powerful near-post strike. Inter’s late efforts were futile, with Denzel Dumfries flagged offside in a moment summing up their night. PSG’s fans erupted as the final whistle blew.

Where Inter Went Wrong

Inter’s defense crumbled under PSG’s pressure. Their 3-5-2 formation failed to contain PSG’s wingers, Doué and Kvaratskhelia.

Midfielders struggled to match Vitinha’s energy, losing control early. Inzaghi’s tactics were criticized for being too defensive, leaving Inter vulnerable on counters. Key players like Lautaro Martínez were ineffective, with only 46 touches and no clear chances. Poor substitutions and a lack of adaptability further exposed Inter’s weaknesses.

History of PSG and Inter in the Champions League

PSG had never won the Champions League before 2025, despite heavy investment since Qatar’s 2011 takeover. Their previous final appearance ended in a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in 2020. Inter Milan, with three titles (1964, 1965, 2010), have a richer history but lost the 2023 final to Manchester City.

PSG’s victory made them the 24th team to claim the trophy, while Inter’s defeat marked their heaviest in a final. Marseille remains the only other French club to win, in 1993.

Post-Match Comments from Coaches and Players

PSG coach Luis Enrique hailed the win as a historic milestone.

“Making history was our goal from last season,” he said, dedicating the victory to his late daughter Xana.

Désiré Doué, overwhelmed, called the experience “incredible” and praised Enrique’s tactical genius.

Paris Saint Germain fans celebrate outside their home stadium in Paris after winning the Champions League [Tom Nicholson/Reuters]

Ousmane Dembélé expressed pride in the 5-0 rout, saying, “Winning in style against Inter is exceptional.”

Defender Marquinhos honored past PSG stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva.

Inter’s Simone Inzaghi admitted, “PSG dominated us with relentless pressure. We didn’t play our best.” He remained focused on future competitions, like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Analysis and Impact

PSG’s victory reshapes their legacy, shedding years of criticism for underperforming in Europe despite massive spending.

The absence of former stars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi highlighted Enrique’s reliance on young talents like Doué and Mayulu. Inter’s loss raises questions about their aging squad and Inzaghi’s future, with some speculating about a move to Al-Hilal.

The record-breaking margin sparked debates about financial disparities in football, with Qatar-backed PSG overpowering Inter, a club with American investment. Social media buzzed with praise for PSG’s new era and sympathy for Inter’s collapse. The win also boosts French football, with PSG joining Marseille as Champions League winners.

The victory signals a new chapter for PSG, while Inter must regroup after a humbling defeat.

Share This Post: